Growing up in the northern beaches of Sydney, brother and sister Angus & Julia Stone were taught the history of pop music from an early age by their father, who played in a cover band. The siblings released an EP of early material, Chocolates & Cigarettes, before moving to London in 2006 where they went on to record their second EP, Heart Full of Wine. A year later their debut full-length, A Book Like This, was released to critical acclaim.

FROM THIS EPISODE

Growing up in the northern beaches of Sydney, brother and sister Angus & Julia Stone were taught the history of pop music from an early age by their father, who played in a cover band. The siblings released an EP of early material, Chocolates & Cigarettes, before moving to London in 2006 where they went on to record their second EP, Heart Full of Wine. A year later their debut full-length, A Book Like This, was released to critical acclaim.

For their sophomore album, Down the Way, there’s been a subtle shift in gear. The music gravitates from sparse to rich textured arrangements, yet never loses its ethereal charm. Once again the duo share song-writing duties and their individual styles juxtapose and compliment each other perfectly. Listening to the 13 tracks you start to feel like you’re spending time with the siblings as they craft beautiful tunes and hopeful daydreams around you. Themes of lost love and yearning weave through the album, while touches of piano and understated finger-picking guitar light up the darkness of the sound.

Traveling has been an integral part of the Stone’s musical story so it’s not surprising they opted to record Down the Way in a number of diverse locations around the globe: an old sawmill on the river banks of Fowey, Cornwall, a studio in Brooklyn, a water tank in Coolangatta, their second home of London, and in Queens, New York. But even with all the locales that took part in creating the record, the most lasting impression is that Angus & Julia have invited you to come visit with them, share some moments, and go on your way slightly inspired and humming a pretty tune.

Down The Waywill be available on-demand March 22 through April 20, 2010.